I picked up the e.l.f contouring blush and bronzing powder on an after work trip to Kmart. I knew I could get it for $3 on iHerb, but I had a sudden desire to compare it to the Nars blush in Orgasm and Nars Laguna bronzer.
In the pan, both the packaging and shades are very similar to the Nars products. The sleek and sturdy black packaging really is identical, aside from the logo and I did find myself questioning the price tag I had paid for Nars. The shades too, were very similar. However, once I dipped my brush in I saw a significant different in pigmentation. To some, this may be an attribute to the product, as pigmentation equals a small amount of product going a long way. When it comes to blush and bronzer I personally prefer a medium amount of pigmentation as this allows a natural, blendable and buildable application. The pigmentation that comes from the e.l.f blush and bronzer could very easily result in too much product on the face, patchiness and a massive blending job. Too use this product on my face I found myself lightly dipping my brush in the product and then wiping it on a tissue before applying to my face. On the skin the shades do loose their similarity to their higher end 'dupes' as they appear a lot darker and the gold shimmery flecks do not transfer to the skin in the blush. Perhaps it is because my skin is pale, or perhaps it is because I have been previously using the Nars blush and bronzer, but the e.l.f alternative looks cheap and patchy on my face.
I have however continued to use the bronzer. The high pigmentation is perfect for when I haven't fake tanned my neck and I need to bronze it to match my foundation. It is quick, easy and provides a beautiful colour.
Even when using it this way the powderyness is still an issue with this product. A lot of powder is always left in the pan and as a duo this means the products spill into each other. For $3-$10 this product is a good option for those who cannot afford to spend more, however I will continue to reach for Nars, ZA and Revlon blush and bronzers over this product.
I bought this online in the colour St Lucia, I had heard good thing about one of the shade, but since this was the only colour available I thought I would try. Sadly I was quite disappointed, the blush looks a nice colour, but doesn't have good pigmentation at all and hardly shows on the skin. The bronzed is ok and I do use this in moderation regularly, but to dark for me to use as a contour shade. I really would try the other shades, because for that price, as I have heard that they have some nice blush colours.
Tips: The bronzer is quite dark and I small but on a brush goes along way, so be careful how much u put on your brush.